By Andrew Hall: I recently called for Marcos Maidana to move up in weight to either take on Miguel Cotto or Ricky Hatton. I received a lot of flak for mentioning Ricky Hatton. That is why I am writing this article. It is a reply to all of the Ricky Hatton haters out there. Can Ricky Hatton make a comeback?
The one thing that I love most about boxing is the redemption factor. In one fight you can be down and out and in another you can be touted as one of the all time greats. Look at George Foreman. Nobody gave him a chance when he made his comeback. Yet he went on to become the heavyweight champion of the world. I can name a myriad of fighters that made successful comebacks despite the odds.
Ricky Hatton has a lot of problems right now. Chief among them is his drug problem. Last I heard the former pugilist had checked into a rehab center and I sincerely hope he is successful in overcoming his problem. Regardless of whether he returns to boxing I hope he is able to put his demons aside and live a life of success and happiness. That being said, I would love to see Ricky Hatton fight again. Why? The guy was an action packed fighter who always brought it. He was always there to fight. Even against Pacman, he came to throw down. He came forward, throwing punches, trying to connect with a haymaker but got caught with one instead. Now all of a sudden he’s all washed up. HOGWASH. That does not necessarily mean he is all washed it. It just means he got caught with a great shot by another great fighter.
I’ve heard rumors that Ricky Hatton will be making a comeback in the near future. I’m going to go out on a limb and say I think he can be successful. Now, by “successful” I don’t mean he’ll be a top pound for pound but what I do mean is that he will be in the top tier of the sport again. All it takes is for him to have a few tune up fights and then to step it up with the big boys. At that point, Hatton is as they say “in like Flynn”. If Ricky Hatton decides to make a comeback I’ll be rooting him on.
Now, let’s say Ricky Hatton does come back and win a couple tune up bouts. Who should he fight? I’d love to see him take on Marcos Maidana. That would be one helluva fight. Two action packed fighters going at it head on. What could be better? Maidana would have trouble with Ricky’s speed and it would be very interesting to see how Hatton can stand up to one of Maidana’s haymakers. I think Ricky’s speed and body attack would be the deciding factor but let’s not rush. Let’s see if The Hitman makes a comeback. I sure hope he does. Either way, good luck to you in the future champ!